All articles tagged with #geomagnetic storms
During the 12 August total solar eclipse over Greenland, researchers will have about two minutes at observing sites in Spain and Iceland to study the corona with spectrometers and high‑resolution cameras, aiming to answer why the corona is millions of degrees hotter than the Sun's surface and how magnetic energy heats it, with the goal of improving space‑weather forecasts ahead of the 2027 eclipse.
A NASA-led study published in Nature finds a longstanding measurement bias from L1 solar-wind data has caused scientists to underestimate how powerful extreme solar storms can be. By comparing million-scale wind-energy measurements with closer, near-Earth observations from THEMIS, MMS, and DoubleStar, the researchers found no statistical evidence of an upper limit to energy transfer from the solar wind to Earth’s polar ionosphere. If there is indeed no ceiling, the worst-case space weather scenarios used in planning could be too mild, with potential disruptions to satellites, GPS, and communications, prompting a revision of extreme-storm modeling and preparedness.
A NASA Goddard-led study argues that past estimates of solar-storm severity were biased by erroneous measurements, suggesting there may be no upper limit to the energy solar wind can transfer to Earth's magnetosphere; this implies extreme one-in-a-thousand-year events could pose greater risks to satellites, GPS, and communications than previously recognized.
Geomagnetic storms push currents through long metal conductors—power lines, pipelines, and submarine cables—potentially tripping transformers and collapsing grids for months, even though people indoors are largely unaffected; historical events like 1989 Quebec and 1859 Carrington show the risk, and modern warnings plus operational measures can mitigate damage, though a Carrington-scale storm remains a serious threat.
NASA’s STEREO-A happened to sit in the direct path of the July 2012 Carrington-class CME, taking the full hit while Earth avoided a direct strike. The spacecraft’s instruments recorded unprecedented in-situ measurements of magnetic fields, plasma density, and shock structure, creating a canonical dataset for extreme solar storms. Analyses using that data suggest a direct Carrington-type event could drive geomagnetic disturbances powerful enough to damage hundreds of high-voltage transformers across North America and Europe, underscoring the value of even hours of warning. The event also anchors statistical risk estimates (roughly 10–15% per decade) and confirms that a future Earth-directed storm could have devastating consequences if not anticipated.
Scientists propose ‘StormWall,’ a constellation of mass-loading spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit that would ionize materials to create magnetospheric plasma, aiming to suppress magnetic reconnection during solar storms and potentially halve their impact. While conceptually feasible, major challenges remain in cost, maintenance, and orbital optimization before any deployment could be considered.
A two-decade study using 1,800 magnetotelluric stations yields the United States Magnetotelluric Array, a first large-scale 3D map of underground electrical properties. It shows complex geoelectric structures that can drive damaging currents during solar storms, potentially threatening electrical grids. The data improve hazard assessment and feed NOAA/USGS real-time risk maps, moving beyond older 1D models and aiding future prediction and resource exploration.
Scientists analyzing five red aurora events over Hokkaido, Japan (2024–2025) found the displays reached unusually high altitudes (about 310–500 miles) during storms not considered extreme, suggesting some solar storms carry more energy than traditional geomagnetic indices indicate. The study, published May 19 in the Journal of Space Weather and Space Climate, used ground images and satellite data and could improve space‑weather forecasting as solar activity remains near the cycle’s peak.
New research finds red auroras over Japan extending to 500–800 km during moderately intense storms, higher than usually expected and suggesting standard indices may underestimate storm strength. The ASYM-H index often peaks 1.3–2.0 times SYM-H, implicating solar wind density (not just speed) as a key driver for mid-latitude auroras and atmospheric heating. Findings, aided by citizen scientists, have practical implications for satellite operations in low Earth orbit due to atmospheric drag and improved space weather forecasting.
A Sun X1.4 flare from active region 4405 triggered a radio blackout and a coronal mass ejection heading toward Earth, prompting a G2 geomagnetic storm watch as Artemis 2’s launch window nears; NASA says there’s an 80% chance of favorable conditions on Wednesday, but CME timing could delay the mission if communications or navigation are affected.
A 94-day observation of solar active region NOAA 13664 by Solar Orbiter and SDO captured its evolving magnetic field, revealing the Sun's strongest geomagnetic storms in over two decades and causing auroras visible as far south as Switzerland along with disruptions to satellites and railway signaling; the study, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, marks a major advance in understanding space weather.
The northern lights may be visible in several northern U.S. states on Wednesday due to geomagnetic storms caused by solar winds and a coronal mass ejection, with brighter and more widespread displays possible as a result.
A CME has arrived and is passing over Earth, causing geomagnetic storms mostly in G1-G3 levels, with a G4 storm still possible tonight, leading to minor disruptions in HF radio and navigation signals.
Space weather forecasters warn of severe solar storms caused by recent coronal mass ejections from the sun, which could produce vibrant northern lights visible across much of the northern U.S. and disrupt communications, GPS, and power grids. The sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, increasing aurora activity and space weather events, with experts advising caution and preparation for potential disruptions.
Space weather forecasters warn of severe solar storms caused by recent coronal mass ejections from the sun, which could produce spectacular auroras visible across much of the northern U.S. and even further south, while also potentially disrupting communications and power grids. The sun's heightened activity, part of its 11-year cycle, increases the likelihood of these displays and disruptions, with experts advising on how to view the auroras safely and effectively.